← Back to Education Hub Module 8 • After the Deal

What You Will Learn

  • Whether sellers can still get a new home loan after creative finance
  • What lenders typically ask for when the old mortgage stays in the seller's name
  • How different loan types (Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA) handle this situation

Most sellers can still buy another home. Underwriting depends on the loan type and the lender.

Lenders mainly want proof that the old house is being covered (lease or occupancy agreement + proof of deposits).

Always confirm rules with your lender because guidelines change.

Common Lender Patterns

When you move out of your home and someone else starts living there, lenders want proof the old payment is being covered. They usually ask for:

  • A lease or occupancy agreement (this should be real documentation that explains who occupies the home and who pays)
  • Proof of deposits showing the payment is being received

Lenders often count a portion of the income (such as 75 percent) to be safe.

Conventional Loans (Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac)

Conventional loans often let you turn your old home into a rental and still buy a new one.

What they may need:

  • A signed lease or occupancy agreement
  • Proof of rent deposits in your bank
  • Market rent data for the area

VA Loans

VA loans often allow you to convert your old home into a rental.

They may need:

  • Signed lease or occupancy agreement
  • Proof rent matches market value
  • Enough remaining VA entitlement

FHA Loans

FHA often has stricter patterns.

Lenders may look for:

  • Valid reasons for moving (like a job change or family change)
  • Certain levels of equity in the old home
  • A signed lease or occupancy agreement

USDA Loans

USDA loans can be difficult to get if you still own another property. Guidelines often do not allow for owning another home while getting a USDA loan.

Check Yourself

Q: Can sellers still buy another house if they do creative finance?

A: Yes. Most sellers can still qualify for a new mortgage. The buyer's payment on the old house typically offsets the debt on the seller's debt-to-income ratio.

Q: What do lenders usually ask for when the old mortgage stays in the seller's name?

A: A signed lease or occupancy agreement and proof of deposits showing the payment is being received.

Ready to Structure Your Deal?

Use our free deal analyzer to see how creative finance could work for your situation.

Analyze Your Deal